This release shows what a difference mastering—the subtle process of preparing a recording for release, with various sound processing techniques, equalization, and volume adjustments—can make. Les Thorn has mastered my tunes since late 2005, when he did a freebie remastering for me out of the blue. In this case he’s done it twice, first for my original release of “Marina Bay” three days ago, on February 26, and again today. This version (3.1 MB MP3 file) is quite dreamy, while the previous one is more aggressive and gritty. But they are the exact same recording, only mastered differently. They make an interesting comparison.

“Marina Bay - Remastered” is available via iTunes and on the Podsafe Music Network. © 2006 by Derek K. Miller (SOCAN), remastered by Les Thorn in New York City.